Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Dr. Fletcher

What can I say about this man. WOW! What a God send in my life.

I was Diagnoses with Central Serous Retinopathy about 5 years ago. I discovered my vision diminishing so I went in to have my eyes examined. That doctor sent me to a specialist who diagnosed me. I couldn't believe it. Me, losing vision in my left eye. The doctor said it probably had been happening for a couple of years but because the vision in my right eye was so good it just took over.

The vision lose was so gradual I didn't even notice that my world had turned from 3-D to 2-D. My worst fear was not being able to see well enough to drive and then to lose my vision all together. The specialist said there really wasn't anything he could do but come back if I totally lost the vision and he would see what he could do then.

Well, that was unacceptable. I found another doctor who only sees CSR patients. He is in UT. We made the trek to Utah to consult with him. He said pretty much the same thing. I couldn't believe it. I started planning things I wanted to see and do in case I lost my vision.

Now, 5 years later I have started loosing the vision in my right eye as well.

Then in steps Dr. Fletcher. He practices a few days a month in Wichita as well as a few days in San Fransisco and Orlando. I thought we traveled a lot. John met him at church and told him about my eyes. He told John that he had pioneered stuff that was just for CSR. John made an appointment for the next time he and I were in town together. Well, that day was today.

I was scared and hopeful. Even though we brought the scans and test results from the other docs, he also did his own. When he was done he gave us the results. Some of the tests are test he invented that other docs use now.

Yes, I did have CSR. Yes, I was loosing vision but, I had adapted to my difficulties better then any other person he had worked with. I am a cheat reader. I have had the ability to read very fast in the past. That skill, unbeknowst to me, has helped me continue to be able to read. My eyes go over the words so fast that even though some letters are missing as I read my brain puts together the missing pieces.

He also told me that I would be able to drive for many years to come. Yes, I can't pass the eye test at the DMV but he will give me a letter stating the diagnosis and clear me to drive. I was happy about that. And he said that even though i have difficulties reading and a few other things that I not go totally blind. He gave me exercises to do to keep my eyes strong AND....

He gave me HOPE!

(By the way, he also told me that reading in dim light doesn't effect your eyes like so many people think) Good because I don't like bright light.

1 comment:

Nikki said...

I have terrible eye sight and one of my biggest fears is losing my sight. If I never had it I probably wouldn't mind, but not being able to see my childrens smiles is terrifying!

You gave me hope! You are so positive about your situation. You are always so positive! Thank you for the example! Love you for that!